Nebraska Looking at Ways to Grow Urban Agriculture

Posted 9 months ago

By Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is known for its agricultural production, and now a state senator wants to bring farming into cities and towns.

Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha has introduced a legislative study to look at ways the state can help develop new community gardens. The gardens have become hugely popular in Omaha and Lincoln, with waiting lists for available plots.

The study will focus on new possible places to plant, such as public-school grounds. Senators may also look at a law approved in 2013 in California, which lets cities offer property-tax breaks to landowners who dedicate their land to food-growing for at least five years.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln extension educator Sarah Browning says the gardens provide physical benefits because of the work required and helps growers lower their grocery bills.